A database provides a way of organizing
information so that you can easily find what you are looking for.

We usually think of
searchable electronic indexes and catalogs when we refer to databases. The library catalog,
Academic Search Complete, and
LexisNexis Academic are examples of electronic databases. They let you quickly
go to a topic in books or periodicals.

In an electronic database each article or book has its
own record, which provides information about it.

Each record is composed of individual pieces of information called fields. Fields include such information as the
author, title, publisher, subject heading, etc. for that item. Each of these fields is a searchable access
point to the information.